“Plagiarism article plagiarized” (on Media Culpa) is an awesome idea and reminded me of what I call a self-sustaining phenomenon.

Take blogging for example. Some bloggers write about blogging exclusively. Take blogs out of the equation and you’re left with nothing. Or philosophy students that become philosophy professors to teach philosophy to students. (Probably not a good idea to get in an argument with philosophers…)

On the other hand there are self-destructing phenomena and even businesses. Online dating sites are a great example. The goal of a such a site is for its members to find a date. Once they have one (or the one) they don’t need the site anymore and cancel the membership. The business only survives because there is an infinite supply of singles out there (and relationships don’t last forever).

Any better examples?